A screamo lover's dream came true on Friday, February 6th, when Catalyst… performed right in the heart of UT student life, West Campus in Austin, Texas.
Screamo, a subgenre of punk music, is a more modern genre. However, this night was filled with old-school Punk ethos, a rowdy, unstoppable crowd, individualism, rebellion, and a do-it-yourself ethic. Catalyst… was originally supposed to play at a local venue. However, due to the venue's unethical practices, they moved their show to UT’s very own 21st Street Co-op, in classic punk anti-establishment and DIY fashion.
Fans were ready to welcome the hardcore energy.
30 minutes before doors, the line was already sprawling around the block, filled with young adults adorned in piercings, spikes, and safety pins. Capacity was reached soon into the night, and the small floor space was packed from wall to wall.
Opening bands consisted of Arranged in April, Dead Butterflies, and Empty Shell Casings. Every band was truly amazing. All hardcore screamo bands, they brought contagious energy seeping into the skin of every hardcore lover in the crowd. The room morphed to allow an open space dedicated to moshing, yet the rest of the crowd never stopped moving. I could feel the floor bounce beneath the constantly colliding bodies.
There was a certain excited antsyness in the air. The line was anxiously waiting to get in, and the crowd was ready to hear screamo’s notorious Catalyst…. It was a big deal. With an amazing opening lineup, the crowd was energized and ready to go all out for the headliner. A little past 11 pm, it was time.
Bassist Andrew Trow and guitarist David Lemmel did not hesitate. Catalyst’s… contrasting mellow yet hardcore sound quickly filled the room. The band featured a new vocalist, Ethan, which has been controversial. His sound was different from the past vocalist, Connor Kelliher, however I thought he was a good addition. Ethan was able to have a strong crowd engagement and powerful energy with a raspy, forceful voice. The band played crowd favorites like “Poison Thoughts” and “Is This All That We’ll be?”. Fans pushed and shoved to be closer to the band. Some grabbed the mic to sing the lyrics they adored. Catalyst… has a sound that is raw, emotional, intense, energetic, and powerful. The contrasting tempos and ruthless screams are paired with melodic interludes and poetic lyrics.
I attended the show with two friends, Hannah and Alexis. Hannah graciously held our purses while Alexis and I moshed. It was so fun to let go of all thoughts and just jump and scream to some of my favorite songs. However, being a girl in a mosh pit is something that comes with its cons, but we also must claim our pros: getting to shove back the men who think it's ok to slam on you harder than any other man in the crowd. Alexis and I asserted our feminine dominance and had fun for ourselves. It felt quite cathartic, and we need more girls in the pit!
As Catalyst closed their set, the line was still wrapping the corner. I was sweaty and exhausted. I felt united with my friends and other fans. Catalyst…, and screamo punk bands as a whole, provide me with a place to release energy and feel connected to those around me. The world is full of stress, constraints, and expectations. Shows like Catalysts… are places to expel pressure and be yourself. All I have to say is go to a hardcore show!